Beginning Farmer Events in Virginia

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Taylor in Beginning Farmers, Events, Farming Resources // 0 Comments

Beginning Farmer Events in Virginia from the Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition – December, 2019 – March, 2020

December 7: All Worms, All Day – Delmarva Small Ruminant Conference (Ewing, VA)

The all-day conference will focus exclusively on gastrointestinal parasites, which are problematic on most small ruminant farms. The program will seek to educate stakeholders on the most up-to-date methods and recommendations for controlling parasites. It will include general sessions and a separate program for older youth.

December 7-8: Uprooting Racism in the Food System with Soul Fire Farm (Harrisonburg, VA)

The Uprooting Racism training is a theory and action workshop for environmental and food justice leaders to uproot systemic racism in our organizations and society. We delve deep into the history and structural realities of racial injustice and develop an understanding of the movement strategies of frontlines communities struggling for food sovereignty. We will examine our personal and societal roles of complicity in and resistance to the system. Much of the time will be spent developing tangible action plans – to use of sphere of influence to uproot these oppressions. True to Soul Fire Farm’s values and culture, this work will be rooted in fierce love, courageous self-reflection, and healing connection to land.

December 10: Using Soil Health Practices to Improve Water Quality (Webinar)

Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (SRP), nutrient and sediment runoff, and eutrophication leading to harmful algal blooms (HAB) are major water quality issues facing farmers. These problems are related to broken carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus (C-N-P) cycles associated with modern agriculture management practices. Soil P storage and plant availability including both inorganic and organic forms are important factors in keeping soluble nutrients and sediment on the land. Major causes of SRP in surface water (weather, tillage, rainwater pH, fertilizer practices) will be discussed. NRCS’s four major soil health principles are a possible solution to keeping SRP on the land and out of surface water. Finally, the types of cover crops that will assist in keeping both sediment and soluble nutrients on the land will be discussed.

Farmer Events in Virginia January 2020

January 11-13: Virginia Biological Farming Conference (Roanoke, VA)

The 21st annual Virginia Biological Farming Conference is Virginia’s premier organic and sustainable agricultural conference! The Conference brings together farmers, gardeners, eaters, educators and advocates of biological and organic agriculture. The three day Conference includes: Full and Half Day Pre-Conference intensive workshops, 44 sessions, presentations and panel discussions, 50 tradeshow exhibitors, locally sourced farm meals and book signings. The Conference features a Silent Auction and networking opportunities including regional meetings, the Taste of Virginia Expo & Social and more.

Farmer Events in Virginia February 2020

February 13: Mid-Atlantic Women in Agriculture Conference (Dover, DE)
The conference goals are to provide women involved in agriculture an opportunity to come together to learn about current issues and topics so they can make informed decisions concerning their agribusinesses and family lives. Sessions will cover topics in marketing, financial, production and legal.

Farmer Events in Virginia in March 2020

March 30-April 1: Virginia Agritourism Conference (Smithfield, VA)

More details to be released soon

The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition is a state-wide and coalition-based Extension program, housed in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education. Funding was sponsored by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Southern Risk Management Education Center Grant. For more information about the program or funding, contact Kim Niewolny, Program Director and Extension Specialist, at niewolny@vt.edu or 540-231-5784.